Recent pandemic decisions embolden NLRB, OSHA collab

The COVID-19 pandemic wreaked havoc on employers’ balancing of in-person policy with potential health risks, and recent court decisions have highlighted the National Labor Relations Board’s (NLRB) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) concerted collaborative efforts in protecting whistleblowing employees speaking out about on-the-job safety.

NLRB, OSHA doubling down on workplace protections

Top officials from the NLRB and OSHA announced in late 2023 that their agencies will be working more closely to improve on-the-job safety at U.S. workplaces, committing to enforcing antiretaliation laws to protect workers who speak out about safety issues.

OSHA Assistant Secretary of Labor Douglas Parker said the agency partnership should strengthen everyone’s ability to exercise their legal rights in the workplace without fear of losing their job or other forms of punishment.

Outspoken nurse comes out on top